People working in the music and audiovisual sectors are facing significant challenges due to the rapid growth of artificial intelligence. According to a global economic study, within the next four years, those in the music sector will lose almost a quarter of their income, while those in the audiovisual sector will see their income shrink by more than 20%. This is a concerning trend that highlights the need for policymakers to take action.

Protecting Creators' Rights and Incomes

The report by the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) concludes that while the AI boom enriches tech companies, creators' rights and income streams are at risk. In Australia and New Zealand, governments are leading the way in shaping policies to safeguard creators. The Senate select committee in Canberra has recommended standalone AI legislation and greater protection for creative workers. 1: The Australian music rights management organisation Apra Amcos' chief executive, Dean Ormston, emphasises the importance of protecting creators. Our industry thrives on human creativity, and songwriters, composers, and music publishers are the heart of our cultural exports. We must ensure strong protections for their work, especially Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property. 2: If not properly regulated, generative AI has the power to cause great damage to human creators. Unauthorised use of their works will eat into copyright earnings, and work opportunities will shrink as AI-generated outputs become more competitive. It's crucial that we get the regulations right to safeguard human creativity and culture.

Current Regulatory Challenges

Under current regulatory frameworks in most countries, creators face a double whammy. Their works are used without permission by generative AI models, reducing their copyright earnings. At the same time, the rise of AI-generated outputs competes with human-made works, shrinking job opportunities. 1: The study predicts that by 2028, generative AI music will account for a significant portion of traditional music streaming platforms' and music libraries' revenues. AI developers and providers in both sectors stand to gain, but at the expense of creators. 2: This unlicensed reproduction of creators' works represents a transfer of economic value from them to AI companies. It's a wake-up call for policymakers to address these issues and ensure a fair balance between innovation and the protection of creators.

The Role of Policy Makers

The choices made by policy makers in legislative reviews around the world will determine the future of creators. As Björn Ulvaeus, the CISAC president, said, it's critical to get the regulations right. 1: Australia and New Zealand have the opportunity to set a gold standard in AI policy. By protecting creators' rights while fostering innovation, they can ensure that AI serves as a tool to enhance human creativity rather than replace it. 2: The world is watching these decisions, and their impact will be felt far beyond the shores of these countries. Policy makers must act decisively to protect the livelihoods of creators and the future of our creative industries.